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Pretty Woman (R, 1990)

common sense media says

Cinderella meets the Sunset Strip.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this film contains adult themes, strong sexual references, and sexual imagery. Prostitution is one of the main issues dealt with in the movie. There are scenes of scantly-clad women, drug dealing, tobacco and alcohol use, and an incident of attempted rape. There is also occasional profanity.

Positive messages: The main character is a prostitute. Other characters are consumed by greed and materialism. However, by the movie's end, consequences are realized and the main characters learn from their mistakes.
Positive role models: Not applicable.
Violence: One scene of attempted rape.
Sex: Prostitution, sexual imagery, and discussion. Main characters do promote safe-sex behavior.
Language: Few isolated incidents of profanity.
Consumerism: Luxury brands and high-designer lines are glamorized in the film.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: A few scenes of drug dealing, alcohol and tobacco use, though not blatant.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Pretty Woman

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the harsh realities and dangers of prostitution, as compared to the film's portrayal of it in the film. 
  • Parents could discuss how the film treats the objectification of women.
  • Does being a prostitute make Vivian a lesser person?
  • Vivian's physical makeover brings up the issue of appearance and its relation to self-esteem. How does her transformation alter the way she perceives herself and is perceived by other people?
  • Another good point of discussion is the movie's commentary on greed, morals and materialism in today's society. Does money buy Edward happiness?

What's the story?

What's the story?
PRETTY WOMAN follows the love story of hooker with a heart of gold, Vivian (Julia Roberts), and a stoic, detached, wealthy business mogul, Edward (Richard Gere), who treats all facets of life like a business merger. Vivian is a charismatic, "innocent" prostitute looking to make ends meet. Driving along the Hollywood strip one night, Edward stops and asks Vivian for directions. She drives him back to his hotel and stays the night. Bemused by her company, Edward hires her for the week at a rate of $3,000. Predictably, their relationship develops into more than that of employer/employee.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
One of the top-grossing romantic comedies of all time, Pretty Woman launched Roberts' career and popularized the moderm romantic comedy. Despite its formulaic plot, the movie succeeds, due in part to J.F. Lawton's clever script and the performances of Roberts, Laura San Giacomo, and Hector Elizondo as the hotel concierge.

Provided that your teen is mature enough to recognize the implausibility of such a story, Pretty Woman is relatively harmless and surely will outshine the myriad of lackluster and unsubstantial romantic comedies teens normally submit themselves to. However, it's important to remind your child that the reality of prostitution is much harsher than its portrayal in the film.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Buena Vista
Director: Garry Marshall
Cast: Hector Elizondo, Julia Roberts, Richard Gere
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 125 minutes
Theatrical release: March 23, 1990
DVD release: September 6, 1997
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: sexuality and some language
This review was written by Ellie Woodward
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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